Posts Tagged ‘Sponsor’

Europe should not underestimate its role as an agricultural powerhouse, but it needs to focus on areas of weakness including access to natural resources, according to a unique report into where global agricultural power lies commissioned by the Oxford Farming Conference, sponsored by Massey Ferguson.

“Europe currently ranks respectably for political, corporate and trade power but is vulnerable in the long-term to the availability and control over natural and mineral resources,” Oxford Farming Conference chairman Cedric Porter said.

“If the European Union is to continue to punch above its weight on the global agricultural stage it will need to strengthen output – it is vital for farming and for our future food security. The report shows us that Europe as a whole still retains historical influence in global agriculture, but with exporting nations such as China, Russia and Brazil coming up the ranks, the food and farming industry will need to act with policy to retain our strong position.”

“The whole of the food industry also needs to ensure that the relationship between corporations and farmers is a successful and balanced one. Europe, and in particular the UK, has a disproportionate concentration of large trans-national corporations (TNCs) based here which in global terms can be seen as a positive since those organisations are powerful when it comes to decisions that affect agriculture and food. But while that, continues to give international influence, it does not necessarily translate into an improved position for our farmers or the agri-food supply chain.”

Who’s in control of the supply chain?

Four companies account for between 75% and 90% of the global grain trade

10 companies are responsible for over 40% of the global retail market

Seven companies control virtually all fertiliser supply

Five companies share 68% of the world’s agrochemical market

Three companies control almost 50% of the seed market

Commenting on the report, Richard Markwell said: “Massey Ferguson is well-poised to help meet the challenges facing European farmers, given the company’s mission to provide straightforward, dependable machines designed to help farmers cut costs and maximise productivity.”

The report, written by the Scottish Agricultural College, pulls together a vast array of recent research into an unrivalled and uniquely authoritative document which the OFC hopes will be used by farmers and interested groups to lobby in order to keep the Europe at the top table.

Two local Bristol (United Kingdom) farmers, John Hore and Charles Bourns, have combined their two greatest passions – farming and rugby – by sponsoring up-coming rugby star, Jack Tovey. The sponsorship aims to promote great food and farming through the use of the Red Tractor logo which will now gain exposure to thousands of Bristol’s rugby fans.

Jack Tovey with his Red Tractor sponsors, local farmers John Hore (L) and Charles Bourns (R)

John, a local Red Tractor beef and sheep farmer, said: “Rugby is a truly British sport, featuring highly skilled athletes and it has a vast number of supporters who regularly go and watch their team each week. We thought the rugby would provide a fantastic stage to highlight the important role that Red Tractor farming plays in producing quality food.”

Charles Bourns runs a poultry farm in Gloucestershire, he said: “A tremendous amount of effort and integrity goes into producing great quality chickens under the Red Tractor Scheme and it is important that we help to promote this to consumers.”

Every time full back Jack scores a try, the Red Tractor name is announced and it seems to be providing an extra lift for Jack who has made 56 appearances for Bristol and scored seven tries so far this season. Jack said: “I’m delighted that John and Charles approached me about the Red Tractor sponsorship. I jumped at the chance to help support local farmers in the Bristol community and to engage spectators in something with real value.”

The Super 15’s Rugby competition has been revamped for 2011, providing spectators across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa with new teams, more games and more finals.

“It’s an honour to be associated with the new Melbourne Rebels team in their inaugural year,” says Managing Director of AGCO Australia, Warwick McCormick. “We believe it’s a good fit – the Melbourne Rebels have a strong sense of community and so do we; which is evident in our close relationship with the rural community.”

“The significance of the Super 15’s being an international competition, ties in perfectly with Massey Ferguson as we also have a global presence,” adds Mr. McCormick. “We also feel a large part of our rural customer base has a strong following of the sport.”

The Melbourne Rebels engaged in a number of close and thrilling matches both within Australia and overseas this year and have proven their presence in this exciting competition. With the first season now completed, we congratulate them and look forward to seeing them superior in the 2012 season! Go Rebels!